Christ: The Fulfillment of the Law and Salvation

 

Summary

In Romans 10:4, we find a profound truth: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth." This verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian gospel, highlighting the pivotal role of Jesus Christ in fulfilling the law's demands. The Jews, despite their zeal for the law, failed to recognize the righteousness that God provided through Christ. They were ignorant of the fact that their own righteousness was insufficient and that God had offered a righteousness that could be received by faith. This ignorance led to their rejection of Christ and, consequently, the blessings of salvation.

The law, given through Moses, is a permanent expression of God's holy character and His expectations for humanity. It is not abolished by Christ's coming but fulfilled in Him. Christ's life, death, and resurrection satisfy the law's demands, offering righteousness to those who believe. This fulfillment is not about doing away with the law but about Christ meeting its requirements on our behalf. His incarnation, perfect obedience, and sacrificial death are central to this fulfillment.

Salvation is not universal; it is available to those who believe in Christ. This belief involves recognizing our own inadequacy and relying wholly on Christ's righteousness. It is a call to submit to Him, acknowledging that our own efforts are insufficient. The law's demands are met in Christ, and through faith, we are united with Him, sharing in His righteousness and standing justified before God.

Key Takeaways:

- The Law's Eternal Significance: The law remains a vital expression of God's character and expectations. It is not abolished by Christ but fulfilled in Him. Understanding the law's demands helps us see our need for Christ's righteousness, as our own efforts fall short. [07:39]

- Christ's Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus Christ fulfills the law's demands through His life, death, and resurrection. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death satisfy the law's requirements, offering righteousness to believers. This fulfillment is not about abolishing the law but meeting its demands on our behalf. [22:27]

- The Necessity of Faith: Salvation is available to those who believe in Christ. This belief involves recognizing our own inadequacy and relying wholly on Christ's righteousness. It is a call to submit to Him, acknowledging that our own efforts are insufficient. [33:50]

- The Uniqueness of Christ: Christ alone is the end of the law for righteousness. No other person or effort can fulfill the law's demands. His unique role as the God-man is essential for our salvation, highlighting the necessity of His incarnation and atoning work. [28:16]

- The Assurance of Salvation: Believers are united with Christ, sharing in His righteousness and standing justified before God. This union assures us of our eternal security, as nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. [42:51]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Romans 10:4
[00:34] - The Jews' Ignorance of Righteousness
[01:47] - God's Provided Righteousness
[02:59] - The Tragedy of Rejecting Christ
[04:22] - The Christian Gospel Summarized
[05:51] - The Importance of the Law
[07:39] - The Law's Demands and Human Sin
[09:07] - False Teachings on Salvation
[12:44] - The Centrality of Christ
[16:16] - Christ as the End of the Law
[22:27] - Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
[28:16] - The Uniqueness of Christ
[33:50] - Salvation Through Faith
[42:51] - Assurance in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 10:4
- Matthew 5:17-18
- 2 Corinthians 5:21

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Romans 10:4 mean when it says, "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth"? How does this relate to the Jews' misunderstanding of righteousness? [02:23]

2. According to the sermon, how did the Jews view the law, and what was their main error in understanding it? [06:08]

3. How does Matthew 5:17-18 clarify the relationship between Jesus and the law? What does it mean for the law to be fulfilled rather than abolished? [17:23]

4. In what way does 2 Corinthians 5:21 describe the exchange that takes place through Christ's fulfillment of the law? How is this significant for believers? [27:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of Christ fulfilling the law challenge or support the idea of salvation by works? What implications does this have for how believers view their own righteousness? [22:27]

2. Why is it important to understand that salvation is not universal but available to those who believe in Christ? How does this understanding affect the urgency of sharing the gospel? [34:12]

3. What does it mean for Christ to be the "end of the law" in terms of believers' relationship with God? How does this change the way believers live out their faith? [42:05]

4. How does the sermon emphasize the uniqueness of Christ in fulfilling the law? Why is it crucial to recognize His role as both God and man in the context of salvation? [28:16]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of righteousness. Do you find yourself relying on your own efforts to be right with God, or do you fully trust in Christ's righteousness? How can you shift your focus more towards faith in Christ's work? [38:08]

2. The sermon highlights the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation. How can you cultivate a deeper faith in your daily life? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt to strengthen your reliance on Christ? [33:50]

3. Consider the role of the law in your life as a believer. How do you balance the law's demands with the grace offered through Christ? What steps can you take to ensure you are living in the freedom Christ provides? [21:40]

4. The sermon discusses the danger of false teachings that ignore the law's demands. How can you discern and guard against such teachings in your spiritual journey? What resources or community support can you seek to stay grounded in biblical truth? [09:07]

5. How does understanding Christ's fulfillment of the law impact your view of His death and resurrection? In what ways can you express gratitude for His sacrifice in your daily life? [25:53]

6. The sermon mentions the assurance of salvation for those united with Christ. How does this assurance affect your confidence in facing life's challenges? How can you remind yourself of this truth during difficult times? [42:51]

7. Identify one person in your life who may not understand the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation. How can you engage them in a conversation about the gospel this week? What approach will you take to share this message effectively? [34:56]

Devotional

Day 1: The Law's Eternal Significance
The law, given through Moses, is a permanent expression of God's holy character and His expectations for humanity. It is not abolished by Christ's coming but fulfilled in Him. Understanding the law's demands helps us see our need for Christ's righteousness, as our own efforts fall short. The law serves as a mirror, reflecting our inadequacies and pointing us to the necessity of a Savior. In recognizing the law's eternal significance, we are reminded of our dependence on Christ's righteousness rather than our own. [07:39]

"For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it." (James 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on your own efforts to meet God's standards? How can you shift your focus to rely more on Christ's righteousness today?


Day 2: Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus Christ fulfills the law's demands through His life, death, and resurrection. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death satisfy the law's requirements, offering righteousness to believers. This fulfillment is not about abolishing the law but meeting its demands on our behalf. Christ's role as the mediator between God and humanity is central to understanding how He fulfills the law. By living a sinless life and offering Himself as a perfect sacrifice, He bridges the gap between our sinfulness and God's holiness. [22:27]

"For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh." (Romans 8:3, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding Christ's fulfillment of the law change your perspective on obedience and grace? What specific area of your life can you surrender to His perfect work today?


Day 3: The Necessity of Faith
Salvation is available to those who believe in Christ. This belief involves recognizing our own inadequacy and relying wholly on Christ's righteousness. It is a call to submit to Him, acknowledging that our own efforts are insufficient. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust in Christ's finished work on the cross. By placing our faith in Him, we are united with Christ, sharing in His righteousness and standing justified before God. [33:50]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: What does it mean for you to fully rely on Christ's righteousness today? Identify one area where you struggle to trust Him and ask for His help in deepening your faith.


Day 4: The Uniqueness of Christ
Christ alone is the end of the law for righteousness. No other person or effort can fulfill the law's demands. His unique role as the God-man is essential for our salvation, highlighting the necessity of His incarnation and atoning work. Jesus' divinity and humanity uniquely qualify Him to be the mediator between God and humanity. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our faith, and His uniqueness assures us of the sufficiency of His work for our salvation. [28:16]

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5, ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing the uniqueness of Christ impact your relationship with Him? Consider how you can deepen your understanding of His role in your life today.


Day 5: The Assurance of Salvation
Believers are united with Christ, sharing in His righteousness and standing justified before God. This union assures us of our eternal security, as nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. The assurance of salvation is not based on our performance but on Christ's finished work. This assurance provides peace and confidence in our relationship with God, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him. [42:51]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do you struggle with assurance of salvation? How can you remind yourself of the security you have in Christ's finished work today?

Quotes

Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. I make those that all of this verse the Christians' charter. Here is the Charter of every Christian. Here is the verse that sets us of Liberty that delivers us from every kind of bondage, serfdom, and slavery and sets us free. [00:04:32]

The law of God, which he gave to the children of Israel through Moses, is a permanent expression of God's holy character and of what God expects from mankind. The law is not temporary; the law is eternal. The law is still the expression of how God would have men and women live in this world. [00:17:37]

Any teaching concerning salvation which does not express itself in terms of the demands of the law of God is a false teaching. Now, I want to repeat that because this is a tremendously important point. Any teaching concerning salvation which does not express itself in terms of the demands of the law is false teaching. [00:08:47]

Christ is the end of the law in this sense: that he has fulfilled it and that he has fulfilled it for those who believe in him. He is the end of the law in that he carries out the dictates of the law absolutely perfectly and in every respect. Christ is the end of the line that he satisfies all the demands of them and all its calls for righteousness. [00:21:54]

Christ alone is the end of the law for righteousness. He is the end of the law for righteousness, and he alone is. And this is equally important. Put your emphasis on Christ. In the first, we put it on the end of the law; we put it now on Christ. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. [00:28:01]

Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth, but nobody else. Christ is the end of the law only for those who believe. Now here's another thing that needs to be emphasized at the present time. You see, this one verse is answering all these modern heretics and blasphemers. [00:33:50]

The moment you believe in him, all that he is and that he's done on your behalf becomes true of you. The Apostle has already been telling us this, and particularly in Chapter 6. He introduced it in that great fifth chapter where he talked about our union with Christ and how we are in Christ and no longer in Adam. [00:40:17]

We are eternally secure. There is therefore now no condemnation. Know them that are in Christ Jesus. There never can be. That's the opening statement of chapter 8, and we've seen how that great chapter closes. What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? [00:42:58]

Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. Oh yes, if you believe in him, you are saved. He is the end of the law for righteousness to you, but only if you believe. What does that mean? Well, it means, as we've seen, that you recognize your utter condemnation. [00:37:52]

The law demands punishment, so before he completely fulfills the demands of them all, he's got to do something about our guilt, about the condemnation of the law on our transgression. And there on the cross, he bore our sins in his own body on the tree. He received the punishment decreed and meted out by the law upon every sin of men. [00:24:47]

Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. Praise God. Oh Lord our God, we do indeed come unto thee that we may offer our unworthy and feeble prayers. We bless thy name for this glorious word, the word of emancipation and of deliverance and of freedom. [00:46:02]

The terrors of law and of God with me can have nothing to do. My savior's obedience and blood hide all my transgressions from view. The work which his goodness began, the arm of his strength will complete. His promises, yea and amen, and never was forfeited yet. [00:45:34]

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Transcript
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